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You can design Factory Five's new mid-engine, WRX-powered kit car

Massachusetts-based Factory Five, the builder of some exceptional Shelby Cobra replicas and the GTM race car, has announced a new project vehicle. Starting with a Subaru WRX donor car, the Factory Five team says it will be able to produce a mid-engined two-seater for under $15,000... and you can help design it.
Factory Five is teaming up with Grassroots Motorsports Magazine to run a public design contest. The goal for the this as-yet unamed sports car will be to feature the WRX running car and weigh in at just 1,800 pounds. It will have a removable top, 95-inch wheelbase and the Subie engine will power the rear wheels.

Stay tuned for more details on this crowdsourced design contest as they emerge. Submissions will be accepted beginning March 1, so the official contest rules should be along shortly. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

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Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Its not that difficult, well for a pro shop anyway. I'm sure they have some sort of tranny adapter plate like the porsche 914 guys have. That mates an Ej series motor to just about any 911 tranny. An since the article says it will be rear wheel drive they wont have to fuss with making the awd work.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Making the Suby drivetrain work as a rear engine setup? That an easy answer its been done. Just wish I could afford it to put in in my VW on my piss poor teachers salary

www.SubaruGears.com

Its meant for VW's right now but this would work too. I would love to have it be a Sportster replica. But I doubt that will happen. I have been wanting to find a replica Sportster that is all modern suspension and drive train with the classic lines. Not just a rebodied Beetle

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

The "transfer case" holds the "center differential", the part that goes to the rear wheels, and the 5th gear. So maybe it could be modified to be smaller. With a limited slip diff installed in the "front diff" position.

On the other hand another poster mentioned that a Porsche Boxter gear box could be used with an adapter plate. I think I like that approach best.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

immediately the "Hamerhead Eagle i-Thrust" comes to mind. It's a proven european design that's time has come for the american public. I would venture a guess that it would be just shy of the 15k build limit.

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

I cant wait to see the final design. A flat 4 is low c.o.g and can make great turbo output. This will be a great little car for enthusiasts to do as a home build. Light, fast, and FF is a well known manufacturer in this area. I do hope for more ariel atom then lotus 7 but something awd would rock too.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Re weight under 2400 lbs to name a fewyaris Mazda 2 upcoming Accent Upcoming new mazda 2 under 2900 lbs alot more with high end features trickling down to compact cars as well as creature comforts . Buy whatever makes you happy .We all have different priorities . Mines lightweight and nimbleness with comfort and features secondary .